Sikeston murder suspect faces more charges

BENTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston, Missouiri, man jailed on murder charges faces additional charges after using a Taser on three officers during a weekend incident at the Scott County Jail.

William Henry Applewhite III, 28, is charged with three counts of first-degree assault on corrections officers and armed criminal action. Bond is set at $100,000 cash only.

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said Applewhite created a disturbance Sunday afternoon in the pod where he was being housed, and three corrections officers entered the pod and attempted to secure him in his cell.

"Applewhite charged the officers and got one of them in a choke hold," Walter said in a news release. "During the scuffle, Applewhite obtained control of a Taser. He used the Taser on each of the officers. Officers received Taser applications to the face, head and neck areas."

Applewhite also reportedly used the Taser on two other inmates.

Walter said the officers eventually were able to leave the pod, and Applewhite was secured later. One of the officers was treated at a local hospital.

Applewhite was in custody in the Scott County Jail on charges of first-degree murder, armed criminal action, robbery, first-degree assault and tampering with a witness.